Karen Radley catches up in Paris with handbag designer Yasu Michino for our latest edition of “My City” Interviews
Fashion background:
I studied Art History in New York at NYU. Then at 20yo, I moved to Paris to study at Studio Berçot – a small fashion school that’s well known in the industry but not the public. I got my first job at Yves Saint Laurent during the Pilatti era and then worked with Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy for five years. I then became head designer at Delvaux in Brussels for three years and it is during that time in 2014 that I launched Michino – my bag brand.
Favourite neighbourhood in Paris:
I love the area around Palais Royal to Madeleine, where I live. It’s very Parisian but also international. It’s important for me to feel that Paris is not just French but also an international capital.
Favourite place for brunch:
I think it’s a non-Parisian thing to do… I don’t really brunch. I brunch in NY or London but not in Paris…
Best coffee in Paris:
I love Arabica in Beaupassage near Le Bon Marché, I also love the coffee at Braun café on Rue Mogador….
Favourite gallery or museum:
My all time favorite is Musée Jacquemart André. It’s lesser known than other major museum but so good!
Tell us a secret:
My biggest secret is… I never design bags or anything for that matter that I cannot carry myself. I am the most annoying customer, it has to pass the test of me as the user!
Favourite place to shop:
It depends on the season. I don’t have a favoritee shop per se, it depends on the selection. I am eclectic. Having said that, I have my basics: Church’s for shoes, Yohji for popelin shirts, Prada for jackets, Michino for bags, Raybans for sunglasses…
Favourite place to find inspiration: Nature. Island Life. Anyywhere close to the Sea. I can stare at the sea for hours in a meditational sense and think about everything: one thing to another… people, things, places, art… creations… businesss…
Best Paris destination for a date:
I think the best is to stroll on the banks of the Seine river with a basket, a blanket, a bottle of wine…
Favourite park in Paris:
The Tuilleries gardens!
Favourite food market:
Marché aux Enfants Rouges!
Your sanctuary in Paris:
I love going to have tea at Toraya – A japaneses tea house on Rue St Benoit.
What inspires you?
People. Places and conversations. Actually, it’s rarely things that are already designed. Inspiration comes from energy. They are not tangible.
This season I’m loving:
A new me. And being able to share about it without hindrance. My new collection that’s more in line with who I am. Each season, it’s a soul-searching process. My bags tell the story of some in search of being aligned with who we are inside.
